Oklahoma Forestry Code - Oklahoma Forestry Services - State of ...
Oklahoma Forestry Code - Oklahoma Forestry Services - State of ...
Oklahoma Forestry Code - Oklahoma Forestry Services - State of ...
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The <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong><br />
Title 2, Article 16 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes<br />
Statutes describing the responsibilities and authority <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong><br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, <strong>State</strong> Forester and Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>, and<br />
the <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Division concerning forestry related<br />
activities in the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong><br />
Revised July 1, 2007<br />
Includes changes made through the<br />
2007 Legislative Session<br />
Terry Peach, President<br />
<strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture<br />
John C. Burwell, Director<br />
<strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Food and <strong>Forestry</strong><br />
<strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Division<br />
2800 North Lincoln Boulevard<br />
PO Box 528804<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> City, <strong>Oklahoma</strong> 73152<br />
(405) 522-6158
THE OKLAHOMA FORESTRY CODE<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
ARTICLE A - FORESTRY ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT .................................................................................1<br />
SECTION 16-1 - Short Title..............................................................................................................................................1<br />
SECTION 16-2 - Definitions .............................................................................................................................................1<br />
SECTION 16-3 - <strong>Forestry</strong> Program - Responsibilities ......................................................................................................1<br />
SECTION 16-4 - Duties <strong>of</strong> Board .....................................................................................................................................2<br />
SECTION 16-5 - <strong>Forestry</strong> Division - Other Enforcement Agencies ..................................................................................2<br />
SECTION 16-6 - Interference With Firefighters................................................................................................................2<br />
SECTION 16-7 - Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> - Qualifications - Employment <strong>of</strong> Personnel ..........................................................2<br />
SECTION 16-8 - Powers <strong>of</strong> Division - Appointment <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> Employees - Powers and Duties -<br />
Entry Upon Lands - Arrests, Etc. ..............................................................................................................2<br />
SECTION 16-9 - Payroll Deductions for Residence Maintenance Expenses...................................................................3<br />
SECTION 16-10 – Authorization <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Program .................................................................................3<br />
SECTION 16-11 - <strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Fund (effective Nov. 1, 1996).............................................................................3<br />
SECTION 16-12 - Application for and Allocation <strong>of</strong> Cost-Share Funds............................................................................3<br />
SECTION 16-13 - <strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Advisory Committee...........................................................................................4<br />
ARTICLE B - FOREST FIRE PREVENTION..........................................................................................................................4<br />
SECTION 16-21 - Organization <strong>of</strong> Protection Areas ........................................................................................................4<br />
SECTION 16-22 - Road Crews to Extinguish Fires..........................................................................................................4<br />
SECTION 16-23 - Adoption <strong>of</strong> Rules for Road Crews......................................................................................................4<br />
SECTION 16-24 - Refusal <strong>of</strong> Road Crews .......................................................................................................................4<br />
SECTION 16-24.1 - Lawful Burning .................................................................................................................................4<br />
SECTION 16-25 - Unlawful Burning .................................................................................................................................4<br />
SECTION 16-26 - Emergency Drought Conditions-Burning Prohibited............................................................................5<br />
SECTION 16-27 - Camp Fires ......................................................................................................................................... 5<br />
SECTION 16-28.1 - Procedure to Lawfully Burn Land .................................................................................................... 5<br />
SECTION 16-28.2 - Prescribed Burning Provisions .........................................................................................................6<br />
SECTION 16-30 - Civil Liability........................................................................................................................................ 6<br />
SECTION 16-31 - Rewards ............................................................................................................................................. 7<br />
SECTION 16-32 - Liability for Costs <strong>of</strong> Suppressing Fires .............................................................................................. 7<br />
SECTION 16-33 - Penalty for Mutilating or Destroying <strong>State</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> or Fire Control Signs and Posters.......................7<br />
SECTION 16-34 - Illegal Possession <strong>of</strong> Incendiary Device ............................................................................................. 7
SECTION 16-35 - Compact Authorized - Form and Provisions....................................................................................... 7<br />
Article I - Purpose ........................................................................................................................................... 7<br />
Article II - Member <strong>State</strong>s ................................................................................................................................ 7<br />
Article III - Compact Administrator - Advisory Committee - Regional Fire Plan.................................................7<br />
Article IV - Requests for Aid............................................................................................................................. 8<br />
Article V - Powers and Liabilities <strong>of</strong> Aiding <strong>State</strong>s .......................................................................................... 8<br />
Article VI - Ratification ..................................................................................................................................... 8<br />
Article VII - U.S. Forest Service's Role ............................................................................................................. 8<br />
Article VIII - Aid to Other Compacts................................................................................................................... 8<br />
Article IX - Withdrawal from Compact ............................................................................................................... 8<br />
SECTION 16-36 - When Compact Operative - Exchange <strong>of</strong> Official Documents............................................................ 9<br />
SECTION 16-37 - Governor as Compact Administrator - Delegation <strong>of</strong> Duties................................................................9<br />
SECTION 16-38 - Advisory Committee ........................................................................................................................... 9<br />
SECTION 16-39 - Compensation for Injury or Death........................................................................................................9<br />
SECTION 16-40 - Railroad's Actions, Liability for Fire Damages .....................................................................................9<br />
ARTICLE C - GENERAL FORESTRY LAWS ........................................................................................................................9<br />
SECTION 16-51 - Board May Acquire Lands for <strong>Forestry</strong> Purposes................................................................................9<br />
SECTION 16-52 - Restrictions Upon Acquisition <strong>of</strong> Lands - Lease by Commissioners <strong>of</strong> Land Office -<br />
Terms and Conditions.............................................................................................................................9<br />
SECTION 16-53 - Use <strong>of</strong> Lands Acquired ......................................................................................................................10<br />
SECTION 16-54 - Disposition <strong>of</strong> Lands ..........................................................................................................................10<br />
SECTION 16-55 - Urban <strong>Forestry</strong> Duties - Shade and Environmental Improvement.....................................................10<br />
SECTION 16-56 - Scientific Forest Management on <strong>State</strong> Lands, Wilderness Excepted..............................................10<br />
SECTION 16-57 - Advice by Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> - Forest Management for All <strong>State</strong> Agencies ....................................10<br />
SECTION 16-58 - <strong>State</strong> Land Management Guidelines .................................................................................................10<br />
SECTION 16-59 - Removal <strong>of</strong> Pine Timber or Products from <strong>State</strong> Lands ....................................................................10<br />
SECTION 16-60 - Wrongful Injuries to Timber - Criminal Penalties ...............................................................................11<br />
SECTION 16-61 - Notice to Adjoining Property Owners <strong>of</strong> Harvesting Operations........................................................11<br />
SECTION 16-62 - Failure to Notify Adjoining Property Owners <strong>of</strong> Harvesting Operations.............................................11<br />
SECTION 16-63 - Fraudulent Sales <strong>of</strong> Timber - Criminal Penalties ...............................................................................12<br />
SECTION 16-64 - Documentation to Be Maintained by Harvesters ...............................................................................12<br />
SECTION 16-65 - Evidence <strong>of</strong> Ownership to Be Required by Timber Purchasers ........................................................12<br />
SECTION 16-66 - Use <strong>of</strong> False Identification or Declaration <strong>of</strong> Ownership - Criminal Penalties ...................................13<br />
SECTION 16-67 - <strong>Forestry</strong> in Schools - Rangers and Teachers to Cooperate ..............................................................13<br />
SECTION 16-68 - Arbor Week........................................................................................................................................13<br />
SECTION 16-69 - <strong>State</strong> Tree - Redbud ..........................................................................................................................13
SECTION 16-70 - Management to be for Public Interest................................................................................................13<br />
SECTION 16-71 – <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Limitation <strong>of</strong> Liability for Farming and Ranching Land Act<br />
(Statutory Reference Only) .................................................................................................................13<br />
SECTION 16-72 - Expansion <strong>of</strong> <strong>State</strong>wide Fire Protection Program..............................................................................13<br />
SECTION 16-73 - Designated Agency for Tamarix spp. ................................................................................................13<br />
SECTION 16-74 - Designated Agency for Federal Excess Property..............................................................................13<br />
ARTICLE D – VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS........................................................................14<br />
SECTION 16-81 - Volunteer Firefighter Employer Contribution Revolving Fund ...........................................................14<br />
SECTION 16-82 – Transfer Payments to Firefighters Retirement System.....................................................................14<br />
APPENDIX<br />
TITLE 23 - SECTION 72. DAMAGES FOR WRONGFUL INJURIES TO TIMBER.............................................................15<br />
TITLE 76, SEC.10.1. LANDOWNER LIABILITY ON LANDS OTHER THAN FARMING<br />
AND RANCHING LANDS .................................................................................................................15<br />
OTHER STATUTES OF INTEREST RELATED TO NATURAL RESOURCES ...................................................................17<br />
DISCLAIMER<br />
This publication is intended to be a full and accurate representation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong> but is<br />
published for informational purposes only. Clarification or follow-up legal action should be based<br />
solely upon the <strong>of</strong>ficial Statutes and Supplements published by the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong>. Access<br />
to the statutes is available through the Legislative <strong>Services</strong> Bureau at the following site:<br />
http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/
THE OKLAHOMA FORESTRY CODE<br />
O. S. Title 2 Article 16<br />
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:<br />
ARTICLE A<br />
FORESTRY ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT<br />
SECTION 16-1. (Short Title)<br />
A. Chapter 28 <strong>of</strong> Title 2 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes shall be known and cited as the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>.<br />
B. All statutes enacted and codified in Article 16 <strong>of</strong> Title 2 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes shall be considered part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong><br />
<strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>.<br />
SECTION 16-2. (Definitions) As used in the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>:<br />
1. "Director" means the Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Food, and <strong>Forestry</strong>;<br />
2. "Division" means the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Food, and <strong>Forestry</strong>;<br />
3. " Established property line" means any boundary line which has been:<br />
a. recognized by adjoining land owners as a boundary and uncontested for at least<br />
fifteen (15) years including, but not limited to, fence lines, roads, and natural<br />
features,<br />
b. established by a registered land surveyor, or<br />
c. uncontested for at least fifteen (15) years;<br />
4. “Forest rangers" means all employees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division who have responsibilities in forest protection, including laborers,<br />
mechanics, and other employees who assist in forest protection;<br />
5. "Forest" means a tract <strong>of</strong> land that is at least ten percent (10%) stocked by forest trees <strong>of</strong> any size, whether <strong>of</strong> commercial or<br />
noncommercial species, or formerly having tree cover and not currently developed for nonforest use, including woodlands,<br />
woodlots, windbreaks, and shelterbelts;<br />
6. "Logging or timber harvesting operations" means the cutting or harvesting <strong>of</strong> and removal <strong>of</strong> timber from a site, leaving the root<br />
mass intact;<br />
7. "Owner” means the possessor <strong>of</strong> a fee interest, a tenant, lessee, occupant, or other person in lawful control <strong>of</strong> land;<br />
8. ”Prescribed burning” means the controlled application by the owner <strong>of</strong> croplands, rangelands, or forestlands <strong>of</strong> fire to naturally<br />
occurring vegetative fuel under specified environmental conditions and following appropriate precautionary measures, which<br />
causes the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and accomplish land management objectives;<br />
9. "Timber" means and includes live and dead trees and the pr<strong>of</strong>it in any live and dead trees including, but not limited to, bark,<br />
foliage, wood, vines, firewood, crossties, and shrubbery;<br />
10. "Timber owner" means any person who owns the right to cut or harvest timber at the time the timber is to be cut or harvested, or<br />
who legally owns the severed timber;<br />
11. "Wildfires" includes any fire which is not controlled on forests, grasslands, unimproved fields, or croplands; and<br />
12. "Wild lands” means any undeveloped lands regardless <strong>of</strong> kind <strong>of</strong> vegetative plant cover including forests, prairies, marshes, and<br />
swamps.<br />
SECTION 16-3. (<strong>Forestry</strong> Program--Responsibilities) The <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture shall institute a broad program <strong>of</strong> education<br />
and action in the protection, reforestation, harvesting, and wise use <strong>of</strong> forests and their products throughout <strong>Oklahoma</strong> under the<br />
provisions the Board shall adopt. These provisions shall include the need for trees and forests to meet the increasing demands<br />
for forest products for human consumption, the necessity <strong>of</strong> environmental improvement to filter out noise and dirt, clean and<br />
replenish the atmosphere, to conserve soil, water and wildlife, and to provide outdoor recreation for healthful living.<br />
1
The Board shall administer silviculture best management practices in cooperation with forestry land users under the provisions<br />
<strong>of</strong> state and federal water pollution laws that include the process to identify silviculturally-related nonpoint sources <strong>of</strong> pollution as<br />
defined by the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Environmental Quality <strong>Code</strong> (O.S. Title 27A, 2-1-101) and, to the extent feasible, establish procedures<br />
and methods to control these sources.<br />
SECTION 16-4. (Duties <strong>of</strong> Board) It shall be the duty <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture under terms the Board determines shall<br />
best serve the public interest to assist and cooperate with federal and state departments, educational institutions, counties,<br />
towns, corporations, or individuals; to gather and disseminate information about forests, their care and management; to prevent<br />
and extinguish wildfires; and to enforce all laws pertaining to forests and woodlands.<br />
SECTION 16-5. (<strong>Forestry</strong> Division--Other Enforcement Agencies) The laws <strong>of</strong> this state relating to forestry activities shall be<br />
implemented, enforced, and carried out by the <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture through a division <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong><br />
Agriculture to be known as the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division. Other law enforcement agencies <strong>of</strong> the state shall assist in the prevention,<br />
suppression, and investigation <strong>of</strong> fires, and the enforcement <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>.<br />
SECTION 16-6. (Interfering With, Molesting, or Assaulting Firefighters - Penalties) Any person or persons acting in concert<br />
who knowingly and willfully interfere with, molest, or assault forest rangers or firefighters in the performance <strong>of</strong> their duties, or<br />
who knowingly and willfully obstruct, interfere with, or impede the progress <strong>of</strong> forest rangers or firefighters to reach the<br />
destination <strong>of</strong> a fire, or who damage or destroy any vehicles or equipment used to reach or extinguish a fire shall be guilty <strong>of</strong> a<br />
felony.<br />
SECTION 16-7. (Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>--Qualifications--Employment <strong>of</strong> Personnel) The administrative head <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong><br />
Division shall be the Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>, who shall be a pr<strong>of</strong>essional forester and be qualified as required by the <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Agriculture. Other pr<strong>of</strong>essional, technical, and practical personnel necessary to discharge the responsibilities <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong><br />
Division shall be employed by the Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>, subject to the approval <strong>of</strong> the Board.<br />
SECTION 16-8. (Powers <strong>of</strong> Division--Appointment <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> Employees--Powers and Duties--Entry Upon Lands--Arrests,<br />
Etc.)<br />
A. The <strong>Forestry</strong> Division, in connection with the enforcement <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>, shall have the following powers,<br />
authority and duties:<br />
1. To enforce the provisions <strong>of</strong> this code and other forest and forest protection laws <strong>of</strong> this state;<br />
2. To prevent, detect, extinguish, and investigate wildfires in this state;<br />
3. To provide wildfire fighting crews, who shall be under the control and direction <strong>of</strong> forest rangers and other designated agents <strong>of</strong><br />
the Division;<br />
4. To appoint district foresters, assistant district foresters, investigators, rangers and other employees;<br />
5. To use the resources <strong>of</strong> the Division on state-owned parks and other state-administered lands to prevent and suppress fires and<br />
to establish fire fighting crews who shall be authorized to suppress fires on state lands;<br />
6. To be reimbursed on an actual cost basis for all services provided to state parks and other lands administered by the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong>;<br />
7. To investigate cases <strong>of</strong> forest timber theft;<br />
8. To make available for sale surplus state vehicles directly to rural fire departments or municipal fire departments, in cities or<br />
towns under ten thousand (10,000) population. <strong>State</strong> vehicles may be <strong>of</strong>fered for sale only after approval is given in writing by<br />
the Department <strong>of</strong> Central <strong>Services</strong> and evaluation is made <strong>of</strong> each vehicle and a price set by the Department <strong>of</strong> Central<br />
<strong>Services</strong>. The <strong>Forestry</strong> Division may only receive the amount authorized by the Department <strong>of</strong> Central <strong>Services</strong> for the sale <strong>of</strong><br />
the vehicle; and<br />
9. To purchase equipment from the Rural Fire Defense Equipment Revolving Fund's inventory, when advantageous to the state,<br />
and to reimburse the Revolving Fund.<br />
B. Forest rangers, and the fire fighting crews under their control and direction, may enter upon any lands for the purpose <strong>of</strong><br />
preventing and suppressing wildfires and to enforce the provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong> and other wildfire and forest<br />
protection laws <strong>of</strong> this state.<br />
C. Forest rangers, employees <strong>of</strong> the Division, and all persons under contract or agreement with the Division to assist in fire fighting<br />
operations, as well as persons called upon by forest rangers or other authorized employees <strong>of</strong> the Division to assist in fire<br />
fighting under the direction or supervision <strong>of</strong> employees <strong>of</strong> the Division, may, in the performance <strong>of</strong> their duties, set backfires, dig<br />
trenches, cut firelines, and carry on all customary activities in the fighting <strong>of</strong> wildfires without incurring liability to any person.<br />
2
D. 1. The Director may appoint, subject to the approval <strong>of</strong> the Board, special <strong>of</strong>ficers who shall have the power and authority to<br />
arrest. The special <strong>of</strong>ficers shall have power and authority throughout the state, under the direction and control <strong>of</strong> the Division,<br />
to enforce the criminal provisions contained in the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>, other laws relating to forests and wildfires, and the<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Agricultural <strong>Code</strong>.<br />
2. Such special <strong>of</strong>ficers shall have power and authority to make arrests with or without warrants for violations <strong>of</strong> the criminal<br />
provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>, other laws relating to forests and wildfires, and the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Agricultural <strong>Code</strong> to<br />
the same extent and under the same limitations and duties as peace <strong>of</strong>ficers under the provisions <strong>of</strong> Title 22, Chapter 3 <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes.<br />
3. In connection with the enforcement <strong>of</strong> the criminal provisions, the special <strong>of</strong>ficers and other state investigators or law<br />
enforcement <strong>of</strong>ficers may go upon all premises when necessary for the enforcement <strong>of</strong> such laws. All such special <strong>of</strong>ficers shall<br />
be ex-<strong>of</strong>ficio forest rangers and shall be under the control and direction <strong>of</strong> the Division; except, the Director may at any time, for<br />
cause, remove any powers and authority <strong>of</strong> arrest conferred. Special <strong>of</strong>ficers shall have the same right and authority to carry<br />
arms as the sheriffs <strong>of</strong> this state. The compensation <strong>of</strong> special <strong>of</strong>ficers shall be fixed and paid by the Division from its funds.<br />
SECTION 16-9. (Payroll Deductions for Residence Maintenance Expenses) The <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture is authorized to<br />
make payroll deductions for maintenance from <strong>Forestry</strong> Division employees living in residences located on land owned or leased<br />
by the Board. Within the next month following payroll deductions, the Board shall deposit these funds in the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong><br />
Agriculture Revolving Fund created by Section 2-10 <strong>of</strong> Title 2 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes. The expenditure <strong>of</strong> these funds for<br />
maintenance shall be limited to repairs, upkeep, and other expenses associated with the residences owned or leased by the<br />
Board.<br />
SECTION 16-10. (Authorization <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Program) The <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture is authorized to establish and<br />
administer a forestry cost-share program. The forestry cost-share program shall provide monies to private landowners for the<br />
purpose <strong>of</strong> implementing forest conservation or management practices on the land as described in forest management plans<br />
approved by the Commissioner <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture or meeting certain standards established by the<br />
Commissioner. The Board shall promulgate rules governing the cost-share program.<br />
SECTION 16-11. (<strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Fund -- effective Nov. 1, 1996)<br />
A. There is hereby created within the <strong>State</strong> Treasury a cost-share fund for the <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture to be designated the<br />
"<strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist <strong>of</strong> all<br />
monies received by the Board to implement and maintain the forestry cost-share program.<br />
B. The <strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Fund shall consist <strong>of</strong>:<br />
1. Money received by the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture in the form <strong>of</strong> gifts, grants, reimbursements, donations, forest industry<br />
contributions, funds allocated by federal agencies for landowner forestry cost-share programs, and other monies specifically<br />
designated for the forestry cost-share program. All monies accruing to the credit <strong>of</strong> the fund are appropriated and may be<br />
budgeted and expended by the Board for the forestry cost-share program; and<br />
2. Interest attributable to investment <strong>of</strong> money in the <strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Fund.<br />
C. All donations or other proceeds received by the Department pursuant to the provisions <strong>of</strong> this section shall be deposited with the<br />
<strong>State</strong> Treasurer to be credited to the <strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Fund. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants<br />
issued by the <strong>State</strong> Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>State</strong> Finance for approval and<br />
payment.<br />
D. The monies deposited in the <strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Fund shall at no time become part <strong>of</strong> the general budget <strong>of</strong> the Department or<br />
any other state agency. Except for any administrative costs incurred in development and implementation <strong>of</strong> the forestry costshare<br />
program, no monies from the Fund shall be transferred for any purpose to another state agency or any account <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Board or Department or be used for the purpose <strong>of</strong> contracting with any other state agency or reimbursing any state agency for<br />
any expense.<br />
SECTION 16-12. (Application for and Allocation <strong>of</strong> Cost-Share Funds)<br />
A. The <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture may require eligible applicants to submit information, forms, and reports necessary to<br />
properly and efficiently administer the forestry cost-share program.<br />
B. Persons may apply to the Commissioner <strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture for cost-share funds to improve forest lands in the<br />
<strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong>, in accordance with rules promulgated by the <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture. To be eligible, landowners shall<br />
follow a written forest management plan that has been prepared by a pr<strong>of</strong>essional forester and approved by the Commissioner<br />
or that meets standards established by the Commissioner. Applications for funds shall be approved or denied by the<br />
Department in accordance with criteria promulgated by the Board.<br />
C. The Commissioner shall allocate monies from the Fund to eligible landowners on a matching basis.<br />
3
SECTION 16-13. (<strong>Forestry</strong> Cost-Share Advisory Committee)<br />
A. The Commissioner <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture shall appoint a forestry cost-share advisory committee, which shall<br />
meet at least twice each year to review the implementation <strong>of</strong> the forestry cost-share program. The committee may seek public<br />
input and make recommendations on how best to achieve the purposes <strong>of</strong> the program. In lieu <strong>of</strong> appointing a new advisory<br />
committee, the Commissioner may use the Forest Stewardship Program Committee.<br />
B. The committee shall be chaired by the Commissioner, and shall include persons the Commissioner determines shall assist the<br />
committee in performing its advisory functions.<br />
C. A majority <strong>of</strong> the members <strong>of</strong> the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction <strong>of</strong> business. Committee members shall<br />
serve without compensation but may be reimbursed expenses incurred in the performance <strong>of</strong> their duties as provided in the<br />
<strong>State</strong> Travel Reimbursement Act.<br />
ARTICLE B<br />
FOREST FIRE PREVENTION<br />
SECTION 16-21. (Organization <strong>of</strong> Protection Areas) The Division shall organize forest protection areas to prevent, detect, and<br />
suppress wildfires most effectively, and may employ forest rangers to have charge <strong>of</strong> its activities in each area; may subdivide<br />
each area into patrol areas; may construct lookout towers, roads, bridges, firelines, <strong>of</strong>fice facilities, and communication facilities;<br />
may purchase tools for firefighting as well as other necessary supplies and equipment; and may carry on all activities necessary<br />
to protect the area effectively from fires.<br />
SECTION 16-22. (Road Crews to Extinguish Fires) Every member <strong>of</strong> a road construction or maintenance crew, whether<br />
employed by the <strong>State</strong> Highway Department or county commissioners <strong>of</strong> any county, and every road contractor or subcontractor<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Highway Department or county commissioners and their employees shall keep all fires under control and confined to the<br />
right-<strong>of</strong>-way <strong>of</strong> any state, county or public road, or highway on and adjacent to which the crew, contractor, subcontractor, and<br />
employees are employed.<br />
SECTION 16-23. (Adoption <strong>of</strong> Rules for Road Crews) The <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Highways and the county commissioners <strong>of</strong> the<br />
several counties <strong>of</strong> this state shall require their construction and maintenance crews, contractors, subcontractors, and<br />
employees to comply with the provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>, and the highway department or county commissioners<br />
may adopt and promulgate rules for the observance <strong>of</strong> the crews, contractors, subcontractors, and employees in carrying out the<br />
purposes and provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>.<br />
SECTION 16-24. (Refusal <strong>of</strong> Road Crews) Any road foreman or member <strong>of</strong> a road construction or maintenance crew, or any<br />
foreman, superintendent, or employee <strong>of</strong> any road contractor or subcontractor, who shall, without sufficient cause, willfully refuse<br />
or neglect to prevent and suppress fires as provided in the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong> shall be guilty <strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor and upon<br />
conviction shall be punished by a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), by imprisonment for not more than one<br />
(1) year, or by both.<br />
SECTION 16-24.1 (Lawful Burning)<br />
A. It is lawful for an owner <strong>of</strong> croplands, rangelands, grasslands, forestlands, or other wild lands to set the croplands, rangelands,<br />
grasslands, forestlands or other wild lands on fire for the purposes <strong>of</strong>:<br />
1. Managing and manipulating plant species present whether grass, weeds, brush, or trees;<br />
2. Destroying detrimental or unwanted plants, plant parts, shrubs or trees on the croplands, rangelands, grasslands, forestlands, or<br />
other wild lands; and<br />
3. Cedar tree eradication.<br />
B. The provisions <strong>of</strong> this section shall not be construed to exempt or release a person from civil liability for damages or injury<br />
incurred as a result <strong>of</strong> the burn or for criminal liability as imposed pursuant to the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>.<br />
SECTION 16-25. (Unlawful Burning)<br />
A. It is unlawful for any person to carelessly or willfully burn or cause to be burned or to set fire to or cause any fire to be set to any<br />
forest, grass, crops, rangeland, or other wild lands not owned by, duly authorized by the owner or manager, or in the lawful<br />
possession <strong>of</strong>, the person setting the fire or burning the lands or causing the fire to be burned.<br />
B. Any person who carelessly violates this section is guilty <strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor punishable by a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than Five Hundred<br />
Dollars ($500.00), by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both. Any person who willfully violates this section is guilty<br />
<strong>of</strong> a felony punishable by a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), by imprisonment for not more than three (3)<br />
years, or by both.<br />
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C. Any person who carelessly or willfully burns, causes to be burned, sets fire, or causes to be set, any forest, grass, croplands, or<br />
woodlands not owned by, duly authorized by the owner or manager, or in lawful possession <strong>of</strong>, shall be liable in a civil action to<br />
any person injured or damaged by a fire to the amount <strong>of</strong> the injury or damages.<br />
SECTION 16-26. (Emergency Drought Conditions--Burning Prohibited)<br />
A. It is unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop, or other wild lands, or to build a campfire or bonfire, or to<br />
burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass, range, crop, or other wild lands fire in any county, counties or area<br />
within a county where, because <strong>of</strong> emergency drought conditions, there is gubernatorially proclaimed extraordinary danger from<br />
fire, unless the setting <strong>of</strong> any backfire during the drought emergency is necessary to afford protection as determined by a<br />
representative <strong>of</strong> the Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>, or unless it can be established that the setting <strong>of</strong> the backfire was necessary for the<br />
purpose <strong>of</strong> saving life or property. The burden <strong>of</strong> proving the necessity shall rest on the person claiming a defense.<br />
B. The Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> shall advise the Governor when the lands described in subsection A <strong>of</strong> this section in any county,<br />
counties or area within a county <strong>of</strong> this state because <strong>of</strong> emergency drought conditions are in extraordinary danger from fire.<br />
The Governor may by proclamation declare a drought emergency to exist and describe the general boundaries <strong>of</strong> the area<br />
affected.<br />
C. Any proclamation promulgated by the Governor under authority <strong>of</strong> this section shall be effective immediately upon the<br />
Governor’s signed approval <strong>of</strong> the emergency proclamation. Notice <strong>of</strong> the proclamation shall occur through posting on the<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Food, and <strong>Forestry</strong>’s website and informing local news media. Evidence <strong>of</strong> publication or<br />
posting as herein provided shall be maintained by the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division.<br />
D. When conditions warrant, due notice <strong>of</strong> the termination <strong>of</strong> the emergency shall be promptly made by proclamation, which shall<br />
be published or posted in like manner as when <strong>of</strong>ficially declared.<br />
E. Any person who violates this section is guilty <strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor punishable by a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than Five Hundred Dollars<br />
($500.00), by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both.<br />
SECTION 16-27. (Camp Fires) It is unlawful for any person to willfully, negligently, or carelessly build a warming or camp fire and<br />
leave the fire unextinguished or allow the fire to spread. Any person who violates this section is guilty <strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor<br />
punishable by a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both.<br />
SECTION 16-28.1. (Procedure to Lawfully Burn Land)<br />
A. It is unlawful for any person either willfully or carelessly to burn, cause to be burned, to set fire to, or cause fire to be set to any<br />
forest, grass, croplands, rangeland, or other wild lands, by an owner <strong>of</strong> such property, except under the following circumstances:<br />
1. In protection areas, notification to burn shall be made by the owner to the local <strong>of</strong>fice or local representative <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong><br />
Division at least four (4) hours in advance and verbal or written approval obtained. In addition to the notification requirements <strong>of</strong><br />
this paragraph, any owner conducting a limited liability burn in a protected area shall comply with the provisions <strong>of</strong> Section 16-<br />
28.2 <strong>of</strong> Title 2 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes; or<br />
2. Outside protection areas, in order for prescribed or controlled burning to be lawful, an owner shall take reasonable precaution<br />
against the spreading <strong>of</strong> fire to other lands by providing adequate firelines, manpower, and fire fighting equipment for the control<br />
<strong>of</strong> the fire, shall watch over the fire until it is extinguished and shall not permit fire to escape to adjoining land.<br />
B. Nothing in this section shall relieve the person from the obligation to confine the fire to the owner's, agent's, or tenant's land.<br />
C. The <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong> shall not apply to trimming or cutting <strong>of</strong> trees by public or private utilities for the purpose <strong>of</strong><br />
eliminating interference with utility lines, poles, or other utility equipment.<br />
D. 1. Except as otherwise provided by Section 16-28.2 <strong>of</strong> this title, any person:<br />
a. who, whether by accident, neglect or intent, causes or allows damage or injury to occur to any ranch, buildings,<br />
improvements, hay, grass, crops, fencings, timber, marsh, or other property <strong>of</strong> another person by any fire described and<br />
conducted pursuant to this section, shall be civilly responsible for such damage or injury so caused pursuant to Section 16-30 <strong>of</strong><br />
Title 2 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes, and<br />
b. who carelessly violates this section is guilty <strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor punishable by a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than Five Hundred Dollars<br />
($500.00), by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both.<br />
2. In addition, to civil liability, any person who willfully violates this section is guilty <strong>of</strong> a felony punishable by a fine <strong>of</strong> not more<br />
than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), by imprisonment for not more than three (3) years, or by both.<br />
E. Fire set under the provisions <strong>of</strong> this section shall not be allowed to spread beyond the control <strong>of</strong> the person setting the fire and<br />
shall be subdued and extinguished.<br />
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SECTION 16-28.2. (Prescribed Burning Provisions) A. 1. The provisions <strong>of</strong> this section apply to a prescribed burn.<br />
2. Any owner wishing to set fire to land in order to conduct a prescribed burn shall comply with the provisions <strong>of</strong> this section.<br />
B. 1. Within sixty (60) days prior to conducting a prescribed burn, the owner <strong>of</strong> land to be burned shall orally or in writing notify all<br />
landowners whose lands adjoin the owner’s land to be burned.<br />
2. If any landowner is burning on a large, consolidated tract <strong>of</strong> land in which there are multiple adjacent owners, only those<br />
owners with adjoining land within one (1) mile <strong>of</strong> the proposed burn area must be notified.<br />
3. The owner shall include in the written notice or shall orally notify the adjoining landowners <strong>of</strong> the proposed date and location<br />
<strong>of</strong> the burn and a telephone number where the owner can be reached for information regarding the prescribed burn.<br />
C. In addition to notification <strong>of</strong> adjoining property owners pursuant to Subsection B <strong>of</strong> this section, the owner <strong>of</strong> the land to be<br />
burned shall complete the prescribed burn notification plan specified in subsection D <strong>of</strong> this section and shall submit such plan to<br />
the rural fire department nearest the land to be burned. If the land to be burned is in a protection area, the owner shall also<br />
submit a copy <strong>of</strong> the notification plan to the local <strong>of</strong>fice or local representative <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division nearest to the land to be<br />
burned.<br />
D. Any person wishing to conduct a prescribed burn shall complete this form, distributed by the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Department <strong>of</strong><br />
Agriculture, Food, and <strong>Forestry</strong>, which shall be in substantially the following form:<br />
- Name and Telephone Number<br />
- Mailing Address, County, City, <strong>State</strong>, and Zip <strong>Code</strong><br />
- Ranch Name, if any<br />
- Area to be burned<br />
- Approximate acres to be burned<br />
- Written distance description <strong>of</strong> location<br />
- Projected time frame<br />
- Date <strong>of</strong> previous burn<br />
- Objectives to be accomplished through the prescribed burn<br />
- Contact information<br />
- Rural fire department name, location, and telephone number<br />
- <strong>Forestry</strong> District Office (for protection areas)<br />
- Adjoining landowners<br />
PRESCRIBED BURN NOTIFICATION PLAN<br />
The original copy <strong>of</strong> the form must be filed with the rural fire department nearest to the land to be burned. If conducting a<br />
prescribed burn within a protection area, a copy <strong>of</strong> the prescribed burn notification plan must be filed with the local <strong>of</strong>fice or local<br />
representative <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division nearest to the land to be burned. A copy <strong>of</strong> the plan shall be retained by the owner <strong>of</strong> the<br />
land to be burned.<br />
E. 1. Whether the land is located within or outside a protection area, the owner <strong>of</strong> land to be burned shall, within forty-eight (48)<br />
hours <strong>of</strong> conducting a prescribed burn, notify the rural fire department receiving a copy <strong>of</strong> the prescribed burn notification plan<br />
that the prescribed burn will be conducted.<br />
2. Within a protection area, the owner <strong>of</strong> land to be burned shall also, within the time period required by Section 7 <strong>of</strong> this act [Title<br />
2, Section 16-28.1], notify the local <strong>of</strong>fice or local representative <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division receiving a copy <strong>of</strong> the prescribed burn<br />
notification plan.<br />
F. A prescribed burn conducted pursuant to provisions <strong>of</strong> this section shall:<br />
1. Be considered in the public interest and shall not constitute a public or private nuisance; and<br />
2. Be considered a property right <strong>of</strong> the property owner if vegetative fuels are used.<br />
G. 1. Any owner conducting a prescribed burn who is found by a court <strong>of</strong> law to have caused damages or injury as a result <strong>of</strong><br />
accident or by ordinary negligence shall only be civilly liable for actual damages resulting from the prescribed burn.<br />
2. Any owner conducting a prescribed burn who is found by a court <strong>of</strong> law to have committed gross negligence in conducting the<br />
prescribed burn may be found to be both civilly liable for the amount <strong>of</strong> damage done by the fire, and criminally liable pursuant to<br />
paragraph 3 <strong>of</strong> this subsection.<br />
3. Any owner setting or causing to be set on fire land as authorized by this section, and as a result <strong>of</strong> gross negligence permitting<br />
the fire to spread beyond the control <strong>of</strong> the owner or beyond the bounds <strong>of</strong> the owner’s land, shall be deemed guilty <strong>of</strong> a<br />
misdemeanor, and upon conviction there<strong>of</strong>, be fined a sum not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or imprisonment in<br />
the county jail for a period not more than six (6) months.<br />
SECTION 16-30. (Civil Liability) Any person violating any <strong>of</strong> the provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong> shall be liable for all<br />
damages caused by violation, damages shall be recoverable in any court <strong>of</strong> competent jurisdiction.<br />
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SECTION 16-31. (Rewards) The <strong>Forestry</strong> Division <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture may <strong>of</strong>fer and pay rewards for information<br />
leading to the arrest and conviction <strong>of</strong> any person violating any <strong>of</strong> the provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>.<br />
SECTION 16-32. (Liability for Costs <strong>of</strong> Suppressing Fires) Whoever willfully or carelessly shall cause an unlawful forest, grass or<br />
woods fire shall, in addition to all other penalties provided by law, be liable for payment <strong>of</strong> all reasonable costs and expenses<br />
incurred in suppressing the fire. The costs and expenses shall be payable to the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division or other governmental units,<br />
who shall, in the case <strong>of</strong> cooperating persons, disburse the funds in proportionate share based on standard suppression costs.<br />
When the costs and expenses are not paid within ninety (90) after written notice <strong>of</strong> demand, it shall be the duty <strong>of</strong> the district<br />
attorney having jurisdiction to take proper legal proceedings for the collection. The liability for costs <strong>of</strong> suppression shall exist<br />
whether there is criminal prosecution or not and the liability shall extend to the person or persons causing, directing, or<br />
permitting the activity as well as to the actual violator.<br />
SECTION 16-33. (Penalty for Mutilating or Destroying <strong>State</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> or Fire Control Signs and Posters) Whoever<br />
intentionally breaks down, mutilates, removes, or destroys any fire control or forestry sign or poster <strong>of</strong> the Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong><br />
erected in the administration <strong>of</strong> its lawful duties and authorities shall be guilty <strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor and shall be subject to<br />
imprisonment not exceeding three (3) months, by fine not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), or by both.<br />
SECTION 16-34. (Illegal Possession <strong>of</strong> Incendiary Device)<br />
A. Any person possessing any incendiary device as defined by subsection B <strong>of</strong> this section with the intent to use the device for the<br />
purpose <strong>of</strong> burning or setting fire to any forest, grass, crops, or woodlands that the person possessing that device is not the<br />
owner <strong>of</strong> nor in possession <strong>of</strong> lawfully, as under a lease, shall be guilty <strong>of</strong> a felony punishable by a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than One<br />
Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), by imprisonment for not more than three (3) years, or by both.<br />
B. The term "incendiary device" as used in this section includes, but is not limited to, any "slow match" which is any device<br />
contrived to accomplish the delayed ignition <strong>of</strong> a match or matches or other inflammable material by the use <strong>of</strong> a cigarette, rope,<br />
or candle to which the match or matches are attached, or a magnifying glass focused to intensify heat on flammable material<br />
and cause a fire to start at a subsequent time, or any chemicals, chemically treated paper or material, or other combustible<br />
material so arranged or designed to make possible its use as a delayed firing device.<br />
SECTION 16-35. (Compact Authorized-Form and Provisions) The Governor, on behalf <strong>of</strong> this state, is authorized to execute a<br />
compact, in substantially the following form, with any one or more <strong>of</strong> the states <strong>of</strong> Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas,<br />
and the Legislature signifies in advance its approval and ratification <strong>of</strong> the compact:<br />
ARTICLE I. (Purpose)<br />
SOUTH CENTRAL INTERSTATE FOREST FIRE PROTECTION COMPACT<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> this compact is to promote effective prevention and control <strong>of</strong> forest fires in the South Central region <strong>of</strong> the<br />
United <strong>State</strong>s by the development <strong>of</strong> integrated forest fire plans, by the maintenance <strong>of</strong> adequate forest fire fighting services by<br />
the member states, by providing for mutual aid in fighting forest fires among the compacting states <strong>of</strong> the region and with states<br />
which are party to other Regional Forest Fire Protection compacts or agreements, and for more adequate forest development.<br />
ARTICLE II. (Member <strong>State</strong>s)<br />
This compact shall become operative immediately as to those states ratifying it whenever any two or more <strong>of</strong> the states <strong>of</strong><br />
Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, <strong>Oklahoma</strong> and Texas which are contiguous have ratified it and Congress has given consent<br />
thereto. Any state not mentioned in this article which is contiguous with any member state may become party to this compact,<br />
subject to approval by the Legislature <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the member states.<br />
ARTICLE III. (Compact Administrator - Advisory Committee - Regional Fire Plan)<br />
In each state, the state forester or <strong>of</strong>ficer holding the equivalent position who is responsible for forest fire control shall act as<br />
compact administrator for that state and shall consult with like <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> the other member states and shall implement<br />
cooperation between such states in forest fire prevention and control.<br />
The compact administrators <strong>of</strong> the member states shall organize to coordinate the services <strong>of</strong> the member states and provide<br />
administrative integration in carrying out the purposes <strong>of</strong> this compact.<br />
There shall be established an advisory committee <strong>of</strong> legislators, forestry commission representatives, and forestry or forest<br />
products industries representatives which shall meet, from time to time, with the compact administrators. Each member state<br />
shall name one member <strong>of</strong> the Senate and one member <strong>of</strong> the House <strong>of</strong> Representatives, and the Governor <strong>of</strong> each member<br />
state shall appoint one representative who shall be the chairman <strong>of</strong> the state forestry commission or comparable <strong>of</strong>ficial and one<br />
representative who shall be associated with forestry or forest products industries to comprise the membership <strong>of</strong> the advisory<br />
committee. Action shall be taken by a majority <strong>of</strong> the compacting states, and each state shall be entitled to one vote.<br />
The compact administrators shall formulate and, in accordance with need, from time to time, revise a regional forest fire plan for<br />
the member states.<br />
It shall be the duty <strong>of</strong> each member state to formulate and put in effect a forest fire plan for that state and take such measures as<br />
may be necessary to integrate such forest fire plan with the regional forest fire plan formulated by the compact administrators.<br />
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ARTICLE IV. (Requests for Aid)<br />
Whenever the state forest fire control agency <strong>of</strong> a member state requests aid from the state forest fire control agency <strong>of</strong> any<br />
other member state in combating, controlling or preventing forest fires, it shall be the duty <strong>of</strong> the state forest fire control agency<br />
<strong>of</strong> that state to render all possible aid to the requesting agency which is consonant with the maintenance <strong>of</strong> protection at home.<br />
ARTICLE V. (Powers and Liabilities <strong>of</strong> Aiding <strong>State</strong>s)<br />
Whenever the forces <strong>of</strong> any member state are rendering outside aid pursuant to the request <strong>of</strong> another member state under this<br />
compact, the employees <strong>of</strong> such state shall, under the direction <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> the state to which they are rendering aid, have<br />
the same powers (except the power <strong>of</strong> arrest), duties, rights, privileges and immunities as comparable employees <strong>of</strong> the state to<br />
which they are rendering aid.<br />
No member state or its <strong>of</strong>ficers or employees rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact shall be liable on account <strong>of</strong> any act<br />
or omission on the part <strong>of</strong> such forces while so engaged, or on account <strong>of</strong> the maintenance or use <strong>of</strong> any equipment or supplies<br />
in connection therewith: Provided, that nothing herein shall be construed as relieving any person from liability for his own<br />
negligent act or omission, or as imposing liability for such negligent act or omission upon any state.<br />
All liability, except as otherwise provided herein, that may arise either under the laws <strong>of</strong> the requesting state or under the laws <strong>of</strong><br />
the aiding state or under the laws <strong>of</strong> a third state on account <strong>of</strong> or in connection with a request for aid, shall be assumed and<br />
borne by the requesting state.<br />
Any member state rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact shall be reimbursed by the member state receiving such aid<br />
for any loss or damage to, or expense incurred in the operation <strong>of</strong> any equipment answering a request for aid, and for the cost <strong>of</strong><br />
all materials, transportation, wages, salaries, and maintenance <strong>of</strong> employees and equipment incurred in connection with such<br />
request; provided, that nothing herein contained shall prevent any assisting member state from assuming such loss, damage,<br />
expense or other cost or from loaning such equipment or from donating such service to the receiving member state without<br />
charge or cost.<br />
Each member state shall provide for the payment <strong>of</strong> compensation and death benefits to injured employees and representatives<br />
<strong>of</strong> deceased employees in case employees sustain injuries or are killed while rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact, in<br />
the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within such state.<br />
For the purposes <strong>of</strong> this compact the term "employee" shall include any volunteer or auxiliary legally included within the forest<br />
fire fighting forces <strong>of</strong> the aiding state under the laws there<strong>of</strong>.<br />
The compact administrators shall formulate procedures for claims and reimbursement under the provisions <strong>of</strong> this article, in<br />
accordance with the laws <strong>of</strong> the member states.<br />
ARTICLE VI. (Ratification)<br />
Ratification <strong>of</strong> this compact shall not be construed to affect any existing statute so as to authorize or permit curtailment or<br />
diminution <strong>of</strong> the forest fire fighting forces, equipment, services or facilities <strong>of</strong> any member state.<br />
Nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit or restrict the powers <strong>of</strong> any state ratifying the same to provide for the<br />
prevention, control and extinguishment <strong>of</strong> forest fires, or to prohibit the enactment or enforcement <strong>of</strong> state laws, rules or<br />
regulations intended to aid in such prevention, control and extinguishment in such state.<br />
Nothing in this compact shall be construed to affect any existing or future cooperative relationship or arrangement between the<br />
United <strong>State</strong>s Forest Service and a member state or states.<br />
ARTICLE VII. (U.S. Forest Service's Role)<br />
The compact administrators may request the United <strong>State</strong>s Forest Service to act as the primary research and coordinating<br />
agency <strong>of</strong> the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact in cooperation with the appropriate agencies in each<br />
state, and the United <strong>State</strong>s Forest Service may accept the initial responsibility in preparing and presenting to the compact<br />
administrators its recommendations with respect to the regional fire plan. Representatives <strong>of</strong> the United <strong>State</strong>s Forest Service<br />
may attend meetings <strong>of</strong> the compact administrators.<br />
ARTICLE VIII. (Aid to Other Compacts)<br />
The provisions <strong>of</strong> Articles IV and V <strong>of</strong> this compact which relate to mutual aid in combating, controlling or preventing forest fires<br />
shall be operative as between any state party to this compact and any other state which is a party to a regional forest fire<br />
protection compact in another region; provided, that the legislature <strong>of</strong> such other state shall have given its assent to such mutual<br />
aid provisions <strong>of</strong> this compact<br />
ARTICLE IX. (Withdrawal from Compact)<br />
This compact shall continue in force and remain binding on each state ratifying it until the legislature or the Governor <strong>of</strong> such<br />
state takes action to withdraw therefrom. Such action shall not be effective until six (6) months after notice there<strong>of</strong> has been<br />
sent by the chief executive <strong>of</strong> the state desiring to withdraw to the chief executives <strong>of</strong> all states then parties to the compact.<br />
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SECTION 16-36. (When Compact Operative-Exchange <strong>of</strong> Official Documents) When the Governor executes the compact on<br />
behalf <strong>of</strong> this state and causes a verified copy <strong>of</strong> the compact to be filed with the Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>State</strong>, and when the compact has<br />
been ratified by one or more <strong>of</strong> the states named in Section 16-35 <strong>of</strong> this title, then the compact shall become operative and<br />
effective as between this state and other state or states. The Governor is authorized and directed to take action necessary to<br />
complete the exchange <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial documents as between this state and any other state ratifying the compact.<br />
SECTION 16-37. (Governor as Compact Administrator-Delegation <strong>of</strong> Duties) The Governor is designated as the <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
Compact Administrator <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> under the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact and shall<br />
exercise and perform for the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> all the powers and duties imposed by the compact upon the Compact<br />
Administrator. The Governor shall have authority to delegate the exercise <strong>of</strong> the powers and duties to the Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>,<br />
Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>, <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture. The Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> shall be Assistant Compact Administrator and shall act<br />
as the <strong>of</strong>ficial representative <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> and the Compact Administrator pursuant to the delegation to the Assistant<br />
Compact Administrator <strong>of</strong> the powers and duties. In addition, the Assistant Compact Administrator shall perform other duties as<br />
the Governor may designate that are necessary to enable the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> to cooperate in accomplishing the objects <strong>of</strong><br />
the compact.<br />
SECTION 16-38. (Advisory Committee) The <strong>Oklahoma</strong> members <strong>of</strong> the Advisory Committee referred to in Article III <strong>of</strong> the South<br />
Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact shall be selected as follows: One member shall be named from the<br />
membership <strong>of</strong> the Senate <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> by the President Pro Tempore; One member shall be named from the<br />
membership <strong>of</strong> the House <strong>of</strong> Representatives <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> by the Speaker <strong>of</strong> the House; Two members shall be<br />
appointed by the Governor, provided, that one <strong>of</strong> the two members appointed by the Governor shall be the President <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, and the other member appointed by the Governor shall be a person associated with<br />
forestry or forest products industries.<br />
SECTION 16-39. (Compensation for Injury or Death) Any employee <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> who is injured or killed while<br />
rendering aid outside the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> pursuant <strong>of</strong> the provisions <strong>of</strong> the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection<br />
Compact shall be entitled to compensation and death benefits, if any, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury<br />
or death were sustained within the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong>.<br />
SECTION 16-40. (Actions for Damages – Pleading and Pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> Title to Realty Unnecessary – Railroads’ Liability for<br />
Damages by Fire) In any action instituted in any court to recover damages under the provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>,<br />
it shall not be necessary for any person, injured by any fire to allege in pleadings or prove on trial title to the real property over<br />
which the fire has spread, but it shall be sufficient in any action to allege and prove that the person injured was in the occupancy<br />
or possession <strong>of</strong> any ranch, buildings, improvements, hay, grass, crops, fencing, timber, marsh, or other property, claiming the<br />
right to and occupying with cattle any cattle range; it being the purpose and intention <strong>of</strong> this code to protect the possession <strong>of</strong><br />
any person whether the person has title to the land claimed or occupied or not. Any railroad company operating any line in this<br />
state shall be liable for all damages sustained by fire originating from operating its road.<br />
ARTICLE C<br />
GENERAL FORESTRY LAWS<br />
SECTION 16-51. (Board May Acquire Lands for <strong>Forestry</strong> Purposes) The <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture for its <strong>Forestry</strong> Division on<br />
behalf <strong>of</strong> the state may acquire lands suitable for nurseries, seed orchards, state forests, school forests, tower, recreation and<br />
other sites by gift, donation, or purchase and may enter into agreements with the federal government or other agency for<br />
acquiring by gift or purchase such lands as are, in the judgment <strong>of</strong> the Board, suitable and desirable for the above purposes.<br />
SECTION 16-52. (Restrictions Upon Acquisition <strong>of</strong> Lands--Lease by Commissioners <strong>of</strong> Land Office--Terms and Conditions)<br />
A. The <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture shall enter into no agreement for the acquisition, lease, or purchase <strong>of</strong> any land or for any other<br />
purpose whatsoever which shall pledge the credit <strong>of</strong>, or obligate in any manner whatsoever, the state to pay any sum <strong>of</strong> money<br />
or other thing <strong>of</strong> value for any purpose, and the Board shall not in any manner or for any purpose pledge the credit <strong>of</strong> or obligate<br />
the state to pay any sum <strong>of</strong> money. The Board may receive, hold the custody <strong>of</strong>, and exercise control <strong>of</strong> any lands, and set<br />
aside into a separate, distinct, and inviolable fund the proceeds which may be derived from the sales <strong>of</strong> the products <strong>of</strong> any<br />
lands, to use in any manner, or the sale <strong>of</strong> the lands save the twenty-five percent (25%) <strong>of</strong> the proceeds <strong>of</strong> the sale to be paid<br />
into the state school fund. The Board may use and apply the funds for the acquisition, use, custody, management,<br />
development, or improvement <strong>of</strong> any lands vested in or subject to the control <strong>of</strong> the Board. After full payment has been made for<br />
the purchase <strong>of</strong> a state forest, to the federal government or other grantor, then fifteen percent (15%) <strong>of</strong> the gross receipts from a<br />
state forest shall be paid to the county or counties in which it is located in proportion to the acreage located in each county for<br />
use by the county or counties for school purposes; except that payment <strong>of</strong> gross receipts shall only apply to the state forest<br />
lands and not other lands listed in Section 16-51 <strong>of</strong> this title.<br />
9
B. The Commissioners <strong>of</strong> the Land Office are authorized and directed to make and enter into a lease for a period <strong>of</strong> ten (10) years,<br />
with privilege <strong>of</strong> renewing at the end <strong>of</strong> each ten-year period, with the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, <strong>Forestry</strong> Division, the<br />
following described land and premises:<br />
Lots One (1) and Two (2) and the East Half (E 1/2) <strong>of</strong> the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4) and the West Half (W 1/2) <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) <strong>of</strong> Section Seven (7), Township Six (6) South, Range Twenty-Five (25) East <strong>of</strong> the Indian Meridian,<br />
containing two hundred forty (240) acres, more or less, situated in McCurtain County, <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong>.<br />
The lease shall contain the following provisions in addition to any which may be agreed upon by the Commissioners <strong>of</strong> the Land<br />
Office and the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, <strong>Forestry</strong> Division:<br />
1. The lessee shall maintain on the property the administrative headquarters for the Southeast Area <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division;<br />
2. The lessee shall maintain, repair, and preserve all improvements located on the described lands;<br />
3. The lessee shall maintain and carry out a forestry plan for the entire two hundred forty-acre tract and do the necessary planting<br />
and other forestry work to restore the timber growth to its maximum productive value;<br />
4. The lessee shall take all necessary and proper measures to protect the area from fire and theft;<br />
5. The lessee shall formulate and carry out a plan for harvesting <strong>of</strong> the timber so that maximum financial return may be realized for<br />
the state, and that the maximum value shall be realized for demonstration purposes;<br />
6. Unless otherwise changed by law, the annual rental payable annually <strong>of</strong> five percent (5%) per year <strong>of</strong> the appraised value <strong>of</strong> the<br />
lands without improvement shall be paid out <strong>of</strong> funds appropriated to the lessee into common school fund <strong>of</strong> this state.<br />
SECTION 16-53. (Use <strong>of</strong> Lands Acquired) All lands acquired by the <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture on behalf <strong>of</strong> the state shall be in<br />
the custody <strong>of</strong> and subject to the jurisdiction, management, and control <strong>of</strong> the Board and, for the purposes and the utilization and<br />
development <strong>of</strong> the land, the Board may use the proceeds <strong>of</strong> the sale <strong>of</strong> any products; the proceeds <strong>of</strong> the sale <strong>of</strong> any lands,<br />
save the twenty-five (25%) <strong>of</strong> the proceeds which shall be paid into the state school fund; and other funds appropriated for use<br />
by the Board and, in the opinion <strong>of</strong> the Board, available for any uses and purposes.<br />
SECTION 16-54. (Disposition <strong>of</strong> Lands) The <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture may sell, exchange, lease or dispose <strong>of</strong> any lands under<br />
its jurisdiction by the provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong> when in its judgment it is advantageous to the state. All sales,<br />
exchanges, leases, or dispositions <strong>of</strong> lands shall be at least upon a thirty-day public notice, to be given by the Board, and shall<br />
be by sealed competitive bids, and awarded to the highest bidder.<br />
SECTION 16-55. (Urban <strong>Forestry</strong> Duties--Shade and Environmental Improvement) The <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture is<br />
empowered to cooperate with the United <strong>State</strong>s Secretary <strong>of</strong> Agriculture and with communities, towns, cities, and individuals in<br />
the planning, care, and management <strong>of</strong> trees and forests for shade, ornamental, and recreational purposes, and to improve air<br />
quality, reduce noise, and conserve soil, water, and ecological balance. Forest management to meet human needs for forest<br />
products is also authorized.<br />
SECTION 16-56. (Scientific Forest Management on <strong>State</strong> Lands, Wilderness Excepted) The purpose <strong>of</strong> the provisions <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong> relating to forest management is to encourage the practice <strong>of</strong> scientific forest management on all<br />
lands owned by the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> according to standards that shall manage, protect, utilize, and perpetuate suitable trees<br />
for their many benefits. The provisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong> shall not be construed to apply to state-owned land in<br />
wilderness areas.<br />
SECTION 16-57. (Advice by Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>--Forest Management for All <strong>State</strong> Agencies) The Director shall have authority<br />
to advise the several agencies, departments, institutions, bureaus, <strong>of</strong>fices, and all other administrative units <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong>, having state-owned lands under their control, concerning forestry management practices and programs which shall<br />
most effectively carry out the purposes <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>. The Director shall issue, or cause to be issued, the<br />
most scientific forestry management practice and shall distribute this information, assisted financially by the administrative unit <strong>of</strong><br />
state government having control over the lands.<br />
SECTION 16-58. (<strong>State</strong> Land Management Guidelines) To effectuate the purposes <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>, the Director <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Forestry</strong>, or persons designated by the Director, shall have authority, and it shall be the Director’s duty, to prescribe rules<br />
necessary to insure the conservation and protection <strong>of</strong> suitable trees on lands owned by the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong>. Such rules<br />
shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:<br />
1. Require that a good growing stock <strong>of</strong> suitable trees shall be established and maintained on the land at all times to bring the land<br />
to full productivity;<br />
2. Provide that suitable trees be managed for the most pr<strong>of</strong>itable products or other benefits; and<br />
3. Require adequate fire protection at all times.<br />
SECTION 16-59. (Removal <strong>of</strong> Timber or Products from <strong>State</strong> Lands) No timber or other timber products shall be removed from<br />
any lands owned by the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong>, except for public utilities and improvements, and no <strong>of</strong>ficer, employee or any other<br />
person employed by the <strong>State</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oklahoma</strong> shall authorize the removal, except upon written approval <strong>of</strong> the Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong>.<br />
In carrying out the duties <strong>of</strong> this section the Director is authorized to delegate authority to persons qualified to act in the<br />
Director’s behalf.<br />
10
Any person violating this section shall be guilty <strong>of</strong> a felony and upon conviction be punished, for the first <strong>of</strong>fense by a fine not<br />
exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), by imprisonment in the <strong>State</strong> Penitentiary for not exceeding one (1) year, or by<br />
both. For any subsequent <strong>of</strong>fense, the person shall be punished by a fine not exceeding Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), by<br />
imprisonment in the <strong>State</strong> Penitentiary for not exceeding three (3) years, or both.<br />
SECTION 16-60. (Wrongful Injuries to Timber - Criminal Penalties)<br />
A. 1. Any person who intentionally, willfully, maliciously or unlawfully enters upon the lands <strong>of</strong> another to cut down, injure, remove,<br />
or destroy any timber valued at more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), without the permission <strong>of</strong> the owner or the owner’s<br />
representative shall be guilty, upon conviction, <strong>of</strong> a felony, punishable by the imposition <strong>of</strong> a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than Ten Thousand<br />
Dollars ($10,000.00), by imprisonment in the <strong>State</strong> Penitentiary for not more than five (5) years, or both.<br />
2. Any person who intentionally, willfully, maliciously, or unlawfully enters upon the lands <strong>of</strong> another to cut down, injure, remove, or<br />
destroy any timber valued at Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) or less, without the permission <strong>of</strong> the owner or the owner’s<br />
representative shall be guilty, upon conviction, <strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor, punishable by the imposition <strong>of</strong> a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than One<br />
Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than thirty (30) days.<br />
3. The necessary trimming and removal <strong>of</strong> timber to permit the construction, repair, maintenance, cleanup, and operations <strong>of</strong><br />
pipelines and utility lines and appurtenances <strong>of</strong> public utilities, public service corporations, and to aid registered land surveyors<br />
and pr<strong>of</strong>essional engineers in the performance <strong>of</strong> their pr<strong>of</strong>essional services, and municipalities, and pipeline companies, or<br />
lawful operators and product purchasers <strong>of</strong> oil and gas shall not be deemed a willful and intentional cutting down, injuring,<br />
removing, or destroying <strong>of</strong> timber.<br />
4. The necessary trimming and removal <strong>of</strong> timber for boundary line maintenance, for the construction, maintenance, and repair <strong>of</strong><br />
streets, roads, and highways or for the control and regulation <strong>of</strong> traffic by the state and its political subdivisions or registered land<br />
surveyors and pr<strong>of</strong>essional engineers shall not be deemed a willful and intentional cutting down, injuring, removing, or<br />
destroying <strong>of</strong> timber.<br />
B. In addition to the punishment prescribed in subsection A <strong>of</strong> this section, the person is liable in damages pursuant to Section 72<br />
<strong>of</strong> Title 23 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes for the damage or injury done to the timber, the damages to be recovered in a civil action by<br />
the owner <strong>of</strong> the property or the public <strong>of</strong>ficer having charge <strong>of</strong> the property.<br />
SECTION 16-61. (Notice to Adjoining Property Owners <strong>of</strong> Harvesting Operations)<br />
A. 1. Any timber owner involved in a logging or timber harvesting operation shall clearly mark any established property lines which<br />
are within one hundred (100) feet <strong>of</strong> the area to be cut.<br />
2. If there is no established property line, the timber owner authorizing the logging or timber harvesting operation shall send by<br />
certified mail, return receipt requested, written notice <strong>of</strong> the logging or timber harvesting operation to the owner <strong>of</strong> record in the<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> the county assessor or records <strong>of</strong> the county treasurer <strong>of</strong> any real property adjoining the cutting area at least ten (10)<br />
days prior to the commencement <strong>of</strong> the operation.<br />
3. If the timber owner is unable to ascertain the address <strong>of</strong> the legal residence <strong>of</strong> the owner <strong>of</strong> record as recorded in the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong><br />
the county assessor or records <strong>of</strong> the county treasurer <strong>of</strong> any real property adjoining the cutting area, notice <strong>of</strong> the logging or<br />
timber harvesting operation shall be given by publication. The notice shall be published once in a newspaper <strong>of</strong> general<br />
circulation in the county in which the operation is to occur specifying the owner <strong>of</strong> the property and the legal description. The<br />
notice shall be published at least ten (10) days prior to commencement <strong>of</strong> the operation.<br />
B. If the timber owner fails to clearly mark any established property lines or fails to mail or publish any notice to the abutting real<br />
property owners as required by this section and, as a result <strong>of</strong> such failure, timber is harvested or other damage occurs on any<br />
abutting real property without the consent <strong>of</strong> the owner there<strong>of</strong>, the timber owner shall be liable in damages pursuant to Section<br />
72 <strong>of</strong> Title 23 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes to the owner <strong>of</strong> the abutting real property.<br />
C. The provisions <strong>of</strong> this section shall not relieve the owner <strong>of</strong> the real property on which the timber is located from liability pursuant<br />
to Section 72 <strong>of</strong> Title 23 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes for failing to clearly mark or mismarking any property lines required by this<br />
section.<br />
SECTION 16-62. (Failure to Notify Adjoining Property Owners <strong>of</strong> Harvesting Operations—Criminal Penalties)<br />
A. Except as provided by this section, a timber owner who fails to ensure that the requirements <strong>of</strong> subsection A <strong>of</strong> Section 16-61 <strong>of</strong><br />
this title have been fulfilled and who negligently authorizes or directs a logging or timber harvesting operation upon the lands <strong>of</strong><br />
another, and cuts down, injures, removes, or destroys any timber without the permission <strong>of</strong> the owner is guilty, upon conviction,<br />
<strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor, punishable by the imposition <strong>of</strong> a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), by imprisonment<br />
in the county jail for not more than thirty (30) days, or by both.<br />
B. Except as provided by this section any person who negligently enters upon the lands <strong>of</strong> another and cuts down, injures,<br />
removes, or destroys any timber without the permission <strong>of</strong> the owner is guilty, upon conviction, <strong>of</strong> a misdemeanor, punishable by<br />
the imposition <strong>of</strong> a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than<br />
thirty (30) days, or by both.<br />
11
SECTION 16-63. (Fraudulent Sales <strong>of</strong> Timber - Criminal Penalties)<br />
A. It shall be unlawful for any person willingly, knowingly or fraudulently to represent, make, issue, deliver, use or submit or to<br />
participate in representing, making, issuing, delivering, using, or submitting any fictitious, false or fraudulent <strong>of</strong>fer, agreement,<br />
contract, or other instrument concerning:<br />
1. The sale <strong>of</strong> timber or the right to cut or harvest or remove timber from a site or from real property not owned or leased by that<br />
person; or<br />
2. The sale <strong>of</strong> timber or the right to cut or harvest or remove timber that is not owned by that person.<br />
B. It shall be unlawful for a timber owner to, knowingly or with intent to defraud, fail to pay in a timely manner the applicable owners<br />
the full price <strong>of</strong> all the purchased timber.<br />
1. A timber owner acts with intent to defraud if the timber owner disperses, uses, or diverts money with the intent to deprive an<br />
owner <strong>of</strong> the purchase money.<br />
2. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, a timber owner is presumed to have acted with intent to defraud if the timber owner does<br />
not pay all applicable owners for the purchase price <strong>of</strong> the timber not later than forty-five (45) calendar days after the date the<br />
timber owner collects the money for the timber.<br />
C. Any person convicted <strong>of</strong> violating the provisions <strong>of</strong> this section shall be guilty <strong>of</strong>:<br />
1. A felony if the timber to be sold or right to cut or harvest the timber pursuant to subsection A <strong>of</strong> this section is valued at more<br />
than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00). Upon conviction the person shall be subject to the imposition <strong>of</strong> a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than<br />
Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or by imprisonment in the <strong>State</strong> Penitentiary for not more than five (5) years, or to both; or<br />
2. A misdemeanor if the timber to be sold or right to cut or harvest the timber pursuant to subsection A <strong>of</strong> this section is valued at<br />
Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) or less. Upon conviction the person shall be subject to the imposition <strong>of</strong> a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than<br />
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one (1) year, or to both.<br />
SECTION 16-64. (Documentation to be Maintained by Harvesters)<br />
A. Except as provided by subsection B <strong>of</strong> this section, any owner or operator <strong>of</strong> a logging or timber harvesting operation shall<br />
maintain at all times during the operation, for inspection purposes by law enforcement personnel, a written bill <strong>of</strong> sale, timber<br />
deed or timber contract, recording memorandum, or written consent <strong>of</strong> the timber owner for the timber being harvested.<br />
B. The provisions <strong>of</strong> subsection A <strong>of</strong> this section shall not apply to any owner or operator <strong>of</strong> a logging or timber harvesting operation<br />
if a timber deed, written bill <strong>of</strong> sale or timber contract or written consent, recording or memorandum is recorded in the records <strong>of</strong><br />
the county clerk <strong>of</strong> the county in which the timber is harvested or to be harvested.<br />
C. Any deed, written bill <strong>of</strong> sale, contract, or written consent for logging or timber harvesting operation pursuant to this section shall<br />
include:<br />
1. A description <strong>of</strong> the timber to be removed;<br />
2. The date <strong>of</strong> execution and expiration <strong>of</strong> the contract or consent, bill <strong>of</strong> sale, or deed;<br />
3. The name and address <strong>of</strong> the timber owner and the timber purchaser; and<br />
4. The legal description <strong>of</strong> the real property upon which the timber is harvested.<br />
D. Any written bill <strong>of</strong> sale, timber deed or timber contract, recording memorandum or written consent <strong>of</strong> the timber owner required<br />
by subsection A <strong>of</strong> this section shall be preserved by the owner or operator <strong>of</strong> a logging or timber harvesting operation for at<br />
least a period <strong>of</strong> three (3) years.<br />
SECTION 16-65. (Evidence <strong>of</strong> Ownership to be Required by Timber Purchasers)<br />
A. 1. Except as provided by this section, it shall be the duty <strong>of</strong> any sawmill owner or operator or other person purchasing timber for<br />
resale, from a timber owner or owner or operator <strong>of</strong> a logging or timber harvesting operation to obtain from the timber owner or<br />
owner or operator <strong>of</strong> a logging or timber harvesting operation a bill <strong>of</strong> sale for the same or other evidence <strong>of</strong> ownership which<br />
shall be preserved by the purchaser for a period <strong>of</strong> three (3) years and shall be available for inspection by law enforcement<br />
personnel.<br />
2. The bill <strong>of</strong> sale shall include:<br />
a. the name and address <strong>of</strong> the seller and purchaser,<br />
b. a legal description <strong>of</strong> the land from which the timber was harvested,<br />
c. a description <strong>of</strong> timber delivered,<br />
d. the date delivered,<br />
e. the printed name <strong>of</strong> the person delivering the timber, and<br />
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f. the date and signature <strong>of</strong> the person delivering the timber with language declaring ownership <strong>of</strong> the timber or naming the<br />
person to whom the person delivering the timber is an agent.<br />
B. In lieu <strong>of</strong> the bill <strong>of</strong> sale required by subsection A <strong>of</strong> this section, the purchaser may provide for pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> timber ownership<br />
through a written purchase contract which provides language declaring ownership <strong>of</strong> timber delivered for purchase to the<br />
purchaser by the timber owner. Such declaration shall be signed by the timber owner or by a designee pursuant to a written<br />
authorization signed by the timber owner. The written authorization shall be retained by the designee.<br />
SECTION 16-66. (Use <strong>of</strong> False Identification or Declaration <strong>of</strong> Ownership - Criminal Penalties)<br />
Any person selling timber who uses false or altered identification or a false declaration <strong>of</strong> ownership, pursuant to the provisions<br />
<strong>of</strong> Section 16-65 <strong>of</strong> this title, upon conviction, shall be guilty <strong>of</strong>:<br />
1. A felony if the timber to be sold by use <strong>of</strong> a false or altered identification or false declaration <strong>of</strong> ownership is valued at more<br />
than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00). Upon conviction, a person shall be subject to the imposition <strong>of</strong> a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than Ten<br />
Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), imprisonment in the <strong>State</strong> Penitentiary for not more than five (5) years, or both; or<br />
2. A misdemeanor if the timber to be sold by use <strong>of</strong> a false or altered identification or false declaration <strong>of</strong> ownership is valued at<br />
Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) or less. Upon conviction, a person shall be subject to the imposition <strong>of</strong> a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than<br />
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one (1) year, or both.<br />
SECTION 16-67. (<strong>Forestry</strong> in Schools--Rangers and Teachers to Cooperate)<br />
A. It shall be the duty <strong>of</strong> all forest rangers to distribute in all <strong>of</strong> the public schools and high schools <strong>of</strong> the county in which they are<br />
serving all the books, periodicals, and other literature that may, from time to time, be sent out to the rangers by the state and<br />
federal forestry agencies dealing with forest conservation, development, protection, and management.<br />
B. It shall be the duty <strong>of</strong> the various rangers under the direction <strong>of</strong> the Director, and the duty <strong>of</strong> the teachers <strong>of</strong> the various schools,<br />
both public schools and high schools, to post at some conspicuous place in the various classrooms <strong>of</strong> the school buildings the<br />
appropriate bulletins and posters as may be sent out from the forestry agencies for that purpose; and the teachers and rangers<br />
may prepare lectures or talks to be made to the pupils <strong>of</strong> the various schools on the subject <strong>of</strong> forest fires, their origin and their<br />
destructive effect on the plant life and tree life <strong>of</strong> the forests <strong>of</strong> the state, the development and scientific management <strong>of</strong> the<br />
forests <strong>of</strong> the state, and may be prepared to give practical instruction to their pupils as <strong>of</strong>ten as they may find it possible to do so.<br />
SECTION 16-68. (Arbor Week) The last full week in March <strong>of</strong> each year shall be known throughout <strong>Oklahoma</strong> as Arbor Week.<br />
SECTION 16-69. (<strong>State</strong> Tree--Redbud) The redbud tree shall be adopted and the same be made the <strong>of</strong>ficial tree <strong>of</strong> this state.<br />
SECTION 16-70. (Management to be for Public Interest) All state forests, all programs in management, nursery production,<br />
reforestation, urban forestry, educational activities, and other forestry endeavors <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong> Division shall be managed and<br />
administered by the <strong>State</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture in the interest <strong>of</strong> the public. If the public interests are not already safeguarded<br />
and clearly defined by law or by rules adopted by the state agencies authorized by law to administer the lands, or in the papers<br />
formally transferring the projects to the Board for administration, then, and in that event, the Board may promulgate rules<br />
defining the purpose <strong>of</strong> the project.<br />
SECTION 16-71.1 THROUGH 16-71.7. (<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Limitation <strong>of</strong> Liability for Farming and Ranching Land Act)<br />
A. O.S. Title 2, Sections 16-71.1 through 16-71.7 shall be known and may be cited as the “<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Limitation <strong>of</strong> Liability for<br />
Farming and Ranching Land Act.”<br />
Explanatory Note (not part <strong>of</strong> statues): This Act was created by Laws 2004, c. 368, sec. 68, eff. Nov. 1, 2004, to encourage<br />
owners <strong>of</strong> farming and ranching lands to make land available for recreational purposes by limiting their liability. This section is<br />
not included here. The same 2004 law recodified former Title 2, Section 16-71 that governs owner liability on other lands as<br />
Title 76, Section 10.1, and is included on page 15 <strong>of</strong> this publication.<br />
SECTION 16-72. (Expansion <strong>of</strong> <strong>State</strong>wide Fire Protection Program--Support and Operation <strong>of</strong> Fire Departments and Fire<br />
Districts) The Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture is directed to expand the present statewide fire protection program and is hereby<br />
authorized to acquire federal excess property for the support and operation <strong>of</strong> fire departments and fire districts.<br />
SECTION 16-73. (Designated Agency for Tamarix spp.) The Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture is the designated agency for the research<br />
and control <strong>of</strong> the plant species Tamarix spp.<br />
SECTION 16-74. (Designated Agency for Federal Excess Property) The <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture is the designated<br />
agency for the receipt and distribution <strong>of</strong> federal excess property for volunteer, paid, or combined departments that provide fire<br />
service.<br />
13
ARTICLE D<br />
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS<br />
SECTION 16-81. (Volunteer Firefighter Employer Contribution Payment Revolving Fund) There is created in the <strong>State</strong><br />
Treasury a revolving fund for the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture to be designated the “Volunteer Firefighter Employer<br />
Contribution Payment Revolving Fund”. The revolving fund shall be subject to legislative appropriation and shall consist <strong>of</strong> all<br />
monies transferred to the fund and any other monies designated for deposit to this revolving fund pursuant to law.<br />
SECTION 16-82. (Transfer Payments to <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Firefighters Pension and Retirement System)<br />
A. The <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Firefighters Pension and Retirement System shall determine the number <strong>of</strong> persons who are eligible members <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Firefighters Pension and Retirement System pursuant to the provisions <strong>of</strong> subsection D <strong>of</strong> Section 351 <strong>of</strong> Title<br />
19 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes.<br />
B. For each person who has become a member as described in subsection A <strong>of</strong> this section, the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Firefighters Pension<br />
and Retirement System shall provide invoice documentation to the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture. Upon adequate<br />
documentation <strong>of</strong> membership in the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Firefighters Pension and Retirement System pursuant to the provisions <strong>of</strong><br />
subsection D <strong>of</strong> Section 351 <strong>of</strong> Title 19 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes, the <strong>State</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture shall make a transfer<br />
payment from the Volunteer Firefighter Employer Contribution Payment Revolving Fund to the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Firefighters Pension<br />
and Retirement System by May 31, 1999, and May 31 <strong>of</strong> every year thereafter. The amount transferred shall equal the sum <strong>of</strong><br />
Sixty Dollars ($60.00) multiplied by the number <strong>of</strong> members as certified by the System to the Department.<br />
14
APPENDIX<br />
The following section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statutes, although not a part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>, is copied here for reference<br />
and convenience.<br />
O. S. Title 23 - Section 72<br />
DAMAGES FOR WRONGFUL INJURIES TO TIMBER<br />
A. For wrongful injuries to timber upon the land <strong>of</strong> another, or removal there<strong>of</strong>, the measure <strong>of</strong> damages is not less than three (3)<br />
times nor more than ten (10) times such a sum as would compensate for the actual detriment, unless:<br />
1. The trespass was casual and involuntary;<br />
2. Committed under the belief that the timber or land belonged to the trespasser; or<br />
3. The timber was taken by the authority <strong>of</strong> highway <strong>of</strong>ficers for the purposes <strong>of</strong> a highway,<br />
in which case the damages are a sum equal to the actual detriment.<br />
B. The prevailing party shall be entitled to costs and attorneys fees.<br />
C. For purposes <strong>of</strong> this section, the term "timber" shall be defined as the term defined by Section 16-2 <strong>of</strong> Title 2 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong><br />
Statutes.<br />
LANDOWNER LIABILITY ON LANDS OTHER THAN FARMING AND RANCHING LANDS<br />
Until November 1, 2004, the following section was codified as Title 2, Section 16-71 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Forestry</strong> <strong>Code</strong>. Although now in Title 76,<br />
it is copied here for reference and convenience.<br />
TITLE 76 SECTION 10.1. (Landowners and Lessees Encouraged to Make Available Certain Areas for Recreational Purposes<br />
– Limitation on Liability)<br />
A. 1. The purpose <strong>of</strong> this section is to encourage landowners to make land available to the public for outdoor recreational purposes<br />
by limiting their liability to persons entering upon and using such land and to third persons who may be damaged by the acts or<br />
omissions <strong>of</strong> persons going upon these lands.<br />
2. As used in this section:<br />
a. “land” means real property, roads, water, watercourses, private ways, buildings, structures, and machinery or equipment when<br />
attached to realty. The term “land” shall not include any land that is used primarily for farming and ranching activities or to any<br />
roads, water, watercourses, private ways, buildings, structures, and machinery or equipment when attached to realty which is<br />
used primarily for farming and ranching activities.<br />
b. “outdoor recreational purposes” includes any <strong>of</strong> the following, or in combination there<strong>of</strong>: hunting, fishing, swimming, boating,<br />
camping, picnicking, hiking, pleasure driving, jogging, cycling, other sporting events and activities, nature study, water skiing, jet<br />
skiing, winter sports, and viewing or enjoying historical, archaeological, scenic, or scientific sites,<br />
c. “owner” means the possessor <strong>of</strong> a fee interest, a tenant, lessee, occupant, or person in control <strong>of</strong> the land, and<br />
d. “charge” means the admission price or fee asked in return for invitation or permission to enter or go upon the land. The term<br />
“charge” shall not include a license or permit fee imposed by a governmental entity for the purpose <strong>of</strong> regulating the use <strong>of</strong> land,<br />
a water or park area, or lake reservation and shall not include hunting, fishing, boating, and other license and permit fees.<br />
B. An owner who provides the public with land for outdoor recreational purposes owes no duty <strong>of</strong> care to keep the land safe for<br />
entry or use by others, or to give warning to persons entering or going on the land <strong>of</strong> any hazardous conditions, structures, or<br />
activities.<br />
C. 1. Except as otherwise provided by this section, an owner who provides the public with land for outdoor recreational purposes<br />
shall not:<br />
a. be presumed to extend any assurance that the land is safe for any purpose;<br />
b. incur any duty <strong>of</strong> care toward a person who goes on the land; or<br />
c. assume any liability or responsibility for any injury to persons or property caused by the act or omission <strong>of</strong> a person who<br />
enters or uses the land.<br />
15
2. This subsection applies whether the person entering or using the land is an invitee, licensee, trespasser, or otherwise.<br />
D. This section shall not apply if:<br />
1. Any charge is made or is usually made for entering or using any part <strong>of</strong> the land;<br />
2. Any commercial or other activity for pr<strong>of</strong>it directly related to the use is conducted on any part <strong>of</strong> the land.<br />
E. 1. An owner <strong>of</strong> land leased to the state or other public entity for outdoor recreational purposes owes no duty <strong>of</strong> care to keep the<br />
land safe for entry or use by others, or to give warning to persons entering or using the land <strong>of</strong> any hazardous conditions,<br />
structures or activities. Any owner who leases or subleases land to the state or other public entity for outdoor recreational<br />
purposes shall not:<br />
a. Be presumed to extend any assurance that the land is safe for any purpose;<br />
b. Incur any duty <strong>of</strong> care toward a person who enters or uses the leased land; or<br />
c. Become liable or responsible for any injury to persons or property caused by the act or omission <strong>of</strong> a person who enters or<br />
uses the leased land.<br />
2. This subsection applies whether the person entering or using the leased land is an invitee, licensee, trespasser, or otherwise,<br />
notwithstanding any other section <strong>of</strong> law.<br />
F. 1. Except as provided in this section, no person is relieved <strong>of</strong> liability which would otherwise exist for want <strong>of</strong> ordinary care or for<br />
deliberate, willful, or malicious injury to persons or property. The provisions shall not create or increase the liability <strong>of</strong> any<br />
person.<br />
2. This section shall not relieve any owner <strong>of</strong> any liability for the operation and maintenance <strong>of</strong> structures affixed to real property<br />
by the owner or lessee for use by the general public.<br />
G. By entering or using land, no person shall be deemed to be acting as an employee or agent <strong>of</strong> the owner whether the entry or<br />
use is with or without the knowledge or consent <strong>of</strong> the owner.<br />
H. The provisions <strong>of</strong> this section shall not apply to any land that is used primarily for farming or ranching activities or to roads,<br />
water, watercourses, private ways buildings, structures, and machinery or equipment when attached to realty which is used<br />
primarily for farming and ranching activities.<br />
Explanatory Note: Owner liability for recreational use <strong>of</strong> farm and ranch lands is governed by O.S. Title 2, Section 16-71.1<br />
through 16-71.7, referenced here but not included in its entirety in this publication.<br />
16
OTHER STATUTES OF INTEREST RELATED TO NATURAL RESOURCES<br />
The following statutory references also relate to forestry and natural resources. Check the most recent Supplements and the<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Statute books by Title and Section.<br />
Title/Section<br />
Short Description<br />
2 1-4 Corporations engaged in forestry<br />
2 2-4 Powers <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Agriculture<br />
2 5-61e Commodity weights and measures - Agric. administrative rule 35:10-13-1 dictates the method <strong>of</strong> sale for<br />
firewood<br />
2 11-9 Persimmon wilt research<br />
2 741 Setting fires, penalties<br />
2 742 Setting fires, purposes, liabilities<br />
2 743 Liability for accidental or intentional damages from fires<br />
2 744-745 Control <strong>of</strong> fire - time for extinguishment – violations<br />
2 746-747 Willful fires - penalties - liability for damages<br />
11 22-122 Allowing local tree ordinances<br />
11 26-102 Planting trees on cemeteries<br />
11 29-101 Title 11 and volunteer fire departments<br />
11 36-106 Right-<strong>of</strong>-way trees, title and injury to<br />
11 36-107 Street encroachment, regulation <strong>of</strong> obstructions<br />
12A 2-107<br />
12A 9-401(1b)<br />
14A 1-301(4)<br />
Goods severed from realty<br />
Filing security interest<br />
Agricultural definitions in consumer credit code<br />
17 134 Injury to shade trees by telephone company prohibited<br />
18 592 to 594 Title 18 fire departments<br />
18 954 <strong>Forestry</strong> corporations/farm and ranch exemptions<br />
19 349 Conveying forest preserves<br />
19 351 County firefighting service<br />
19 866.16 & Limiting County zoning powers related to forestry<br />
19 866.30<br />
19 901.1 Title 19 fire districts<br />
19 901.55 Rural Fire Protection Program Funding Act<br />
21 1167 Injury to cemetery, including trees<br />
21 1403 3rd degree arson, including forests<br />
21 1753.3 & 1761.1 Penalties for causing a fire on highway rights-<strong>of</strong>-way<br />
21 1768 Malicious injury, through trespass<br />
21 1771-1772 Day time/night time injury to fruit, melons, flowers<br />
21 1773 Injuring fruit or ornamental trees<br />
21 1774 Removing/altering landmarks, including trees<br />
21 1784 Injuring ornamental improvements, including trees<br />
21 1831-1832 Taking, injuring, receiving sawlogs in or near a river<br />
21 1835 Trespass in pecan groves<br />
21 1835.2 Trespass onto private farm, ranch and forest lands<br />
17
Title/Section<br />
Short Description<br />
21 1851-1853 False reporting <strong>of</strong> fires<br />
23 72 Damages for wrongful injuries to timber<br />
27A 1-1-101<br />
27A 2-1-101<br />
27A 2-5-101<br />
27A 2-6-101<br />
27A 2-11-407.1<br />
27A 2-14-101<br />
27A 3-2-106<br />
27A 3-4-101<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Environmental Quality Act<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Environmental Quality <strong>Code</strong><br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Clean Air Act<br />
<strong>State</strong> water quality provisions<br />
Planting trees on waste tire bank stabilization projects<br />
<strong>Oklahoma</strong> Uniform Environmental Permitting Act<br />
Powers and duties <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Conservation Commission<br />
Carbon sequestration<br />
29 1-101 <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Wildlife Conservation <strong>Code</strong><br />
29 5-408 Cutting raccoon trees<br />
29 5-409 Cutting squirrel trees<br />
29 5-412 <strong>State</strong> Endangered Species Act<br />
29 7.701-7.706 McCurtain County Wilderness area<br />
45 725 Procedure for reclaiming mined land<br />
47 14-101 Exempting fire apparatus from certain size and weight limits<br />
47 14-109 Single axle load limits and forest product overload permit<br />
47 14-118(E) Motor carriers fees and permits<br />
47 1136 Authorizes an urban forestry and beautification license plate<br />
50 1.1 Protection <strong>of</strong> forestry activities from being declared a nuisance<br />
51 152 In Government Tort Claims Act, definitions <strong>of</strong> firefighters as “employees” and <strong>of</strong> fire departments as<br />
political subdivisions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>State</strong><br />
52 320 Trees as growing crop for oil and gas activities<br />
59 1201-1208 Board <strong>of</strong> Registration for Foresters<br />
60 49-50 Easements attached/not attached to land<br />
60 67 & 68 Trees on land, ownership <strong>of</strong> and Trees on line, ownership <strong>of</strong><br />
60 175.33 Natural resources proceeds as principal or income<br />
60 381 to 385 Gifts and donations to state government<br />
62 326 Rental from forest reserves<br />
64 87c Audits and investigations on Land Office lands<br />
64 88 Injury to Land Office lands<br />
68 1358(7) Sales tax exemption for raising evergreen trees<br />
68 2817.2 Ad valorem tax reduction for buffer strips<br />
69 1403 DOT authority to develop rules for tree planting along highways<br />
70 11-103(B4) Schools - teaching <strong>of</strong> natural resources<br />
74 62.8 <strong>Forestry</strong> authority to purchase DOT/other vehicles for RFDs<br />
74 85.12 <strong>Forestry</strong> Division authority to purchase from GSA contracts<br />
76 10.1 Liability <strong>of</strong> owners for recreational use <strong>of</strong> property (except on farming and ranching lands)<br />
80 1 Acquisition <strong>of</strong> lands by United <strong>State</strong>s<br />
82 521 County commissioners - conservation duties<br />
18
Title/Section<br />
Short Description<br />
82 862(d) Powers <strong>of</strong> Grand River Dam Authority related to reforestation<br />
82 1501-101 Conservation District Act<br />
82 1501-502 Powers <strong>of</strong> Conservation Districts<br />
19